User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 339 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 37 out of 339
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  1. Jan 1, 2016
    10
    This is my first Pokémon Mystery Dungeon and i'm enjoying the game quite alot! I really like the story, the music are great, the game is colored and it's really fun! Some dungeon can be really hard but just enough to keep going. I love it, great game!
  2. Nov 26, 2015
    10
    I'll just get this out there out front: I liked Gates to Infinity. I know all the criticisms - not enough Pokemon, too easy, no hunger mechanic, streamlined, etc., but I loved the 3D models and the campy after-school-special plot. That said, PSMD maintains a similar plot and the same great graphics while adding all the Pokemon, more complex mechanics, and a much higher difficulty. PSMDI'll just get this out there out front: I liked Gates to Infinity. I know all the criticisms - not enough Pokemon, too easy, no hunger mechanic, streamlined, etc., but I loved the 3D models and the campy after-school-special plot. That said, PSMD maintains a similar plot and the same great graphics while adding all the Pokemon, more complex mechanics, and a much higher difficulty. PSMD goes a lot harder on the "roguelike" genre by adding Emeras: small, temporary, randomly generated bonuses you can collect in dungeons that can be extremely powerful and make or break your expedition. The connection system is another new mechanic - you can finally catch them all, and you no longer have to rely on a low-percent random chance of Pokemon joining you.

    PSMD does everything right: great soundtrack, great graphics and art direction, enjoyable plot and characters, challenging difficulty, and new mechanics that fit in perfectly. If you pick on PMD game to play it should be this one.
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  3. Mar 21, 2016
    10
    I'm writing this review hot off the heels of the main story's ending, and I'm a little caught up in post-game feelings, but I'm going to start this review off by saying that my high regard for this game comes mostly from the story. But I'm going to go over a bit of everything if I can, so let's start.

    The overall gameplay for Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon, or any Mystery Dungeon game is
    I'm writing this review hot off the heels of the main story's ending, and I'm a little caught up in post-game feelings, but I'm going to start this review off by saying that my high regard for this game comes mostly from the story. But I'm going to go over a bit of everything if I can, so let's start.

    The overall gameplay for Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon, or any Mystery Dungeon game is definitely a hit or miss for people. When I say gameplay, I'm mostly referring to the overall dungeon exploration and combat. You, in a team of at least two or more explore randomly generated dungeons and proceed from floor-to-floor until you reach your destination. For side missions, your goal could be to rescue someone who's lost in the dungeon, deliver an item to someone in a dungeon, battle another Pokemon in a mini-boss type encounter among other tasks. For story-driven dungeons, they often end in a big boss battle. Many PMD fans were glad that this game was challenging, unlike the previous entry, Gates to Infinity, which is regarded by many to be the weakest entry in the PMD series, partially because it was just too easy. This game has a fair amount of challenge, and can be a little frustrating at times, however, the game throws tons and tons of items on you. Items such as wands that can confuse, petrify, warp enemy Pokemon somewhere else, etc. Spheres with similar effects that affect every enemy in the room, seeds with varying abilities, like reviving allies, unleashing a fire blast that is really OP in the early parts of the game (100 damage every time!) These items are perhaps more crucial than some players might like. I can imagine that some would be turned off by the fact that they have to rely on items so much, but for me I didn't mind because there weren't any items that were extremely scarce and super hard to come. Also, you get plenty of money to buy more items if needed.

    I've only played one other Mystery Dungeon game, and that was Red Rescue Team on GBA, which I did not beat (that was years ago, but I'm eager to give it another shot after this game). In that game, the way you recruit Pokemon to join you on side missions is way different. All you have to do in this game is complete a Pokemon's request (a side mission) and then they're available for use after that. I've heard mixed opinions on this, some think this is better, some thing it's worse. I'm pretty neutral on it; it takes away the surprise of a Pokemon wanting to join you during an expedition, but I've also heard that some Pokemon were extremely frustrating to try and recruit through the original method seen in the previous games.

    One feature that's very enjoyable in this game are the Looplets and Emeras. Looplets are worn by Pokemon on your team and have slots for Emeras that give bonuses, but only for the current dungeon. The bonuses range from borderline useless to borderline overpowered. But I like that. I like the thrill of finding a great Emera after getting a few lesser ones.

    One of the strongest points about this game that ties in with the core gameplay of exploring dungeons is the fantastic soundtrack in this game. First off, it's huge. It's incredibly diverse and just filled to the brim with catchy melodies and tunes that reek of the innocent but adventurous tone that this game pulls off so well. The game even has a jukebox mode where you can listen to the music, even while the 3DS is closed! it's a bit of a minor feature for most people, but I firmly believe music can make or break a game, so seeing some added love for the player in the way of a jukebox mode speaks to me.

    And now, THE strong point of the game, for me, is the story. This game manages to be incredibly cliched, unique, funny, surprisingly dark and even heart wrenching depending on how invested you can get. The game starts as you, a human gets turned into a Pokemon. The first ongoing mystery throughout the story is why that happened. You're rescued by a Nuzleaf from a nearby village and taken home with him and enrolled in school. Yeah, Pokemon school. It's things like these that make the world of Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon so interesting to me; it's fantastical, but somehow so familiar. You know how EarthBound is known for it's modern setting? Not futuristic, not medieval, just modern. That's how this game feels at times. For example, at one point in the game, you and your school buddies leave your houses at night to explore a creepy ghost house (ie dungeon filled with violent monsters and multiple levels). When they come back, you and your main partner are busted. The next day, your partner leaves a note outside his house saying he can't go adventuring with you today because he has to stay home and clean the house. It's the little things, man.

    Minor Spoilers - -
    The great part about PSMD's story is how it fulfills and denies everything you'd expect from this kind of story... But I'm out of characters, so you'll have to experience the twists and turns yourself!!
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  4. Nov 25, 2015
    10
    The last PMD games I played were Explorers of Time and Darkness. I skipped Gates to Infinity mostly because of users reviews (I'm beginning to believe that these games are cursed and won't ever get above 60 in the critics score) and wasn't sure about this game at first, but I gave it try. I have to say that it pleasantly surprised me: new items, mega evolutions, the return of the hungerThe last PMD games I played were Explorers of Time and Darkness. I skipped Gates to Infinity mostly because of users reviews (I'm beginning to believe that these games are cursed and won't ever get above 60 in the critics score) and wasn't sure about this game at first, but I gave it try. I have to say that it pleasantly surprised me: new items, mega evolutions, the return of the hunger mechanic among other additions, that PMD fans will be grateful for. It may have a slow start but, the story will compensate it in the end. The initial quiz is a nice touch too, and now it doesn't force you to stay with whatever Pokemon you were assigned to. Overall,I think this game gathered what was good from its predecessors, and that's great. I hope Spike Chunsoft continues to deliver these games keeping what fans want from it. Expand
  5. Sep 27, 2016
    10
    One of the best story-mode of the last years.
    Non-linear story, awesome plot-twist, unexpected ending...

    The gameplay is somehow plain, and it can be really hard sometimes; but the game worth the money 100%.
  6. Feb 3, 2016
    10
    An imporvement over every previous game in the series. The Chunsoft proves that they listen to criticism and that they can actually innovate unlike Gamefreak. Hope they continue making good pokemon games.
  7. Nov 20, 2015
    10
    After playing Gates to Infinity before I thought that this series of spin-offs was finally finished and it would continue a steady decline in quality like so many other series I have enjoyed but this game came right back around and kicked that idea out of existence.
    Right from starting up the game I was so excited to see the quiz back that lets you answer questions to see which Pokemon
    After playing Gates to Infinity before I thought that this series of spin-offs was finally finished and it would continue a steady decline in quality like so many other series I have enjoyed but this game came right back around and kicked that idea out of existence.
    Right from starting up the game I was so excited to see the quiz back that lets you answer questions to see which Pokemon you are but once the game gives you a pick you can actual back out of this and choose your own character if you desire which is amazing! Finally you can play without the hassle of going through the quiz multiple times to try and get the Pokemon you really want.
    Gameplay is pretty much the same from Gates to Infinity with holding the left shoulder button bringing up you moves and pressing one of the face buttons for an attack which makes the fights flow very fast and clear. You walk around and try to find the stairs just like all the other games and it really does feel fun to explore the dungeons with your partner trying to find every little item on each floor. One huge improvement is that you can speed up text by holding the B button which is so great as it was an absolute slog to play through the last game with the slow moving text but this speeds a lot of the dialogue and text up considerably if you don't want to read everything.
    The story in here is also a lot more detailed and enjoyable than Gates to Infinity and your partner is a lot more fun to have around than the more clingy ones before with an interesting story. A lot of the story here is very well done in driving the different locations you visit and I don't want to spoil anything for someone who does want to play this but I will say it's very good.
    Graphics are a huge improvement over Gates where the textures and models are a lot clearer than before and everything is a lot more put together overall. One thing I highly recommend is playing this game with the 3D turned on as some of the scenes look really good with the depth given to them.
    I just want to say that the music is phenomenal, while I would say that the other games had slightly better music some of the stuff in here, especially for the first few dungeons is great. Not only that but once you hear a song for the first time you then unlock it in the jukebox on the main menu which you can listen to songs for as long as you want without having to unlock it like you had to do in sky.
    Overall this is the best edition to this series since Sky when that was released so long ago and I highly recommend this game.
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  8. Nov 20, 2015
    10
    I had to make an account just to rate this game. While Gates to Infinity was playable - and I did play it all the way through - it was disappointing. Gates was far too easy, far too simplified, and generally all around boring. I was worried that PMD was done for after Gates was released. Thankfully, Super Mystery Dungeon totally voids this concern!

    Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon (PSMD)
    I had to make an account just to rate this game. While Gates to Infinity was playable - and I did play it all the way through - it was disappointing. Gates was far too easy, far too simplified, and generally all around boring. I was worried that PMD was done for after Gates was released. Thankfully, Super Mystery Dungeon totally voids this concern!

    Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon (PSMD) is a true Pokemon Mystery Dungeon (PMD) sequel - a far cry from what Gates to Infinity tried to be. We get to keep the wonderfully beautiful graphics and natural control scheme that Gates To Infinity (GTI) introduced but we get back the expansiveness that previous PMD games boasted. I am currently five hours into my game and absolutely loving it! This is one pre-order game that I am absolutely not disappointed in purchasing.

    The NPCs have such wonderful personality too! I will probably update this with more detail once I can drag myself away from the game long enough to do so, but y'know what - the game is worth it. Absolutely recommended. Go pick it up and play it now if you liked any other PMD games.

    Oh, and one of the best things? The difficulty level is BACK. It is not a breeze anymore.
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  9. Nov 24, 2015
    10
    Story: Slow start, you have to go to school, which is a good tutorial. new mechanics every 2 dungeons more or less. Story really shines near the end of the game. I cleared the game in around 20ish hours.

    Gameplay: plays like previous iterations, with new additions like bracelets with slots, and you find gems for those slots in the dungeons, and they only last that dungeon. (they give
    Story: Slow start, you have to go to school, which is a good tutorial. new mechanics every 2 dungeons more or less. Story really shines near the end of the game. I cleared the game in around 20ish hours.

    Gameplay: plays like previous iterations, with new additions like bracelets with slots, and you find gems for those slots in the dungeons, and they only last that dungeon. (they give buffs and can be stacked)
    You can also find gold bars(which are rare) in dungeons, which you can spend for special items that can increase stats permanently. I loved this mechanic you can grind if you wanted to max out everything, including PP of abilities and HP of your pokemon.
    Pokemons join you when you help them with their quests, which means you can get very powerful pokemon early on. They can help you in other quests (and become unusable for 2-3 dungeons) but you cannot use them in the main story.

    Graphics/music: it looks great, each dungeon feels different. Music changes from dungeon to dungeon as well, music is good.

    Difficulty: I never had to grind for the story, I would always load instead of giving up a dungeon. Bosses are vulnerable to sleep/confuse/paralyze which makes boss fights easy if you are familiar with using wands and orbs, but if you dont have any prepare for a hard fight. Except the last boss, he is immune to everything. Dungeons on the other hand are harder, some pokemons can one shot you if you are not careful or if you dodge your party can get killed as well.

    If you liked any of the previous mystery dungeon games, you will love this one. This game does everything better.
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  10. Nov 21, 2015
    10
    truly a great game, (much better than the last one, which is a true relief) great suspense and characters. Also has a good dose of humor. I recommend this game to any pokemon fan, who especially were disappointed in the las PMD
  11. Nov 21, 2015
    10
    Aside from the slow start, Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon is a fantastic addition to the pmd series. It combines the challenge of Explores of Sky some of the streamlined ideas of Gates to Infinity, and builds upon the formula while patching up the last installments flaws.

    This game succeeded at everything it was trying to do.
  12. Nov 22, 2015
    10
    This is the best Pokèmon spin-off game, the characters, story, soundtrack, dungeons and the variety of pokèmon are excellent, don`t get fooled because this game is actually challenging like the past entries sometimes you will get stuck in some dungeons because of the difficulty, it`s like combining the best aspects from Blue/Red rescue team, Explorers of Time/Darkness/Sky and Gates toThis is the best Pokèmon spin-off game, the characters, story, soundtrack, dungeons and the variety of pokèmon are excellent, don`t get fooled because this game is actually challenging like the past entries sometimes you will get stuck in some dungeons because of the difficulty, it`s like combining the best aspects from Blue/Red rescue team, Explorers of Time/Darkness/Sky and Gates to infinity into one game, the only flaw is the start of the game which is slow but apart from that everything is good, if you like Pokèmon in general buy it you won`t regret it. Expand
  13. Nov 22, 2015
    10
    I'll give it to you straight: I was going into this game very nervous about it's quality. As the game following Gates to Infinity, it could easily have been a terrible game. Nobody would have really been surprised if it was. It could have been a rushed game to squeeze out some last drops from a dying series. It may have been oriented specifically for children, and made far too simple. ItI'll give it to you straight: I was going into this game very nervous about it's quality. As the game following Gates to Infinity, it could easily have been a terrible game. Nobody would have really been surprised if it was. It could have been a rushed game to squeeze out some last drops from a dying series. It may have been oriented specifically for children, and made far too simple. It could have been...bad.

    But NO. Aside from a slow tutorial that goes over both old and new mechanics, there is NOTHING bad about this game, I kid you not. Even the introduction and personality quiz are handled with aplomb, immersing you in a clever way that I don't want to spoil. There are COUNTLESS songs in this game that I love, they're pretty freakin' awesome. The game is filled to the brim with humor, references to past games, and HEART. Lot's of heart!

    Like...okay, take the difficulty of the first games, Red/Blue Rescue. Give it a storyline as awesome and moving as the Explorers games, put in Gates to Infinities graphics, slap in some new mechanics that fit it wonderfully...

    And that's THIS. If you have ever played a PMD game before, I can say without hesitating, you'll WANT this. And if you never have, then this is a pretty great time to start.
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  14. Nov 24, 2015
    10
    A truly masterpiece of a game. Great Original Music, slow but not boring story, Fun Dungeons and wonderful characters (Which are filled with emotion). It is impossible not to become attached with your hero and the partner. This game far exceeds both it's predecessor and our expectations. Overall "super mystery dungeon" is a must-have for both pokemon fans and Story-lovers, whom trulyA truly masterpiece of a game. Great Original Music, slow but not boring story, Fun Dungeons and wonderful characters (Which are filled with emotion). It is impossible not to become attached with your hero and the partner. This game far exceeds both it's predecessor and our expectations. Overall "super mystery dungeon" is a must-have for both pokemon fans and Story-lovers, whom truly breaks all of our fears of being too much like "Gates to infinity" and too little like the Loved Old-School Mystery Dungeon games. Expand
  15. Nov 25, 2015
    10
    This game is amazing. I was worried that the Mystery Dungeon series was going downhill after playing through Gates of Infinity, but this game shows that Mystery Dungeon games are just as good as ever. Great characters, great story, and some great new mechanics and items that really make the game seem fresh while still staying true to the the likes of red and blue rescue team. There's alsoThis game is amazing. I was worried that the Mystery Dungeon series was going downhill after playing through Gates of Infinity, but this game shows that Mystery Dungeon games are just as good as ever. Great characters, great story, and some great new mechanics and items that really make the game seem fresh while still staying true to the the likes of red and blue rescue team. There's also a bunch of references to earlier Mystery dungeon games which I just loved. All in all it's fantastic game and I'm really glad I purchased it. Expand
  16. Nov 26, 2015
    10
    Absolute beauty of a game, everything I wanted PSMD to be and more! Had cute graphics in the same vein of (albeit improved when compared to) Gates- I'm in the minority that prefers sprites but these were more than satisfactory. The story's absolutely fantastic, and I'm enjoying it as much as I did Sky's. Quiz is back, game is amongst the cutest I've played whilst still being HARD ASAbsolute beauty of a game, everything I wanted PSMD to be and more! Had cute graphics in the same vein of (albeit improved when compared to) Gates- I'm in the minority that prefers sprites but these were more than satisfactory. The story's absolutely fantastic, and I'm enjoying it as much as I did Sky's. Quiz is back, game is amongst the cutest I've played whilst still being HARD AS BALLS (hardest one of the series, and it knows it given how prevalent reviver seeds are).

    Flawless entry in the series, and has brought Pokemon Mystery Dungeon back to one of the greatest Nintendo game series I know.
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  17. Dec 22, 2015
    10
    This game is super awesome I played this game through a few minutes but I love this game so much it occupied my mind for hours on a car trip I picked Riolu and Pikachu
  18. Dec 6, 2015
    10
    It was Wigglytufff. YOOM-TAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH~~~!!!!
  19. Dec 3, 2015
    10
    When I was getting this game at first, I was really nervous because of all the changes in the game play and, being unfamiliar with newer Pokemon didn't recognize a few, but after I started playing through it, it was extremely enjoyable and one of the better games I've played this year. The comical humor that the Mystery Dungeon franchise has is still there, the story is well made and keepsWhen I was getting this game at first, I was really nervous because of all the changes in the game play and, being unfamiliar with newer Pokemon didn't recognize a few, but after I started playing through it, it was extremely enjoyable and one of the better games I've played this year. The comical humor that the Mystery Dungeon franchise has is still there, the story is well made and keeps you enticed in it until the end and is altogether well thought out and executed very well. I'd definitely recommend this game to my friends for the story, the game play, and the youthful fun of a Pokemon game. Expand
  20. Dec 12, 2015
    10
    This has been the best Mystery Dungeon game in the series. The game has a great story and a very enjoyable one. It is very well made and hopes for another great game for its future.
  21. Dec 17, 2015
    10
    Great character development, although it may seem a bit slow in the end. Lots of plot twists moments, awesome soundtrack and good story in general. Sure is the best PMD installment to date.
  22. Dec 29, 2015
    10
    Hearing from how Gates of Infinity did poorly, I was worried Super Mystery Dungeon would take on from it's predecessor. However, I was delighted to experience the adventure and joy this game had to offer. Each character feels unique on their own, and the game's multiple hub worlds, including the dungeons, looking beautiful. The game is rather difficult in the beginning, but that is whatHearing from how Gates of Infinity did poorly, I was worried Super Mystery Dungeon would take on from it's predecessor. However, I was delighted to experience the adventure and joy this game had to offer. Each character feels unique on their own, and the game's multiple hub worlds, including the dungeons, looking beautiful. The game is rather difficult in the beginning, but that is what made Super Mystery Dungeon an amazing game. It still has a lot to offer after completing the main story line, and each chapter fills you with suspense, making the player try to accomplish the game as soon as possible. There are a lot of Easter eggs and references in this game, and any fan of the past Mystery Dungeon games and Red and Blue Rescue Team games will absolutely enjoy this game. Expand
  23. Jan 9, 2016
    10
    Even after all of the incredible things that have happened in the previous games (which I have followed from the beginning; they're my favorite thing about the Pokemon franchise!), this game has managed to blow me away. I am stunned and in love. I beat it days ago and my heart still swells up over the things this game has made me feel. Excited for more PMD titles in the future!!
  24. Jan 31, 2016
    10
    I had my doubts on this game due to gates to infinity, which was complete trash. However, I decided to buy it with so many positive reviews and I don't regret my choice. If you are a fan of mystery dungeon games, this is on the same level, if not higher than explorers of sky, which was the best game for me. Buy it. You won't be disappointed.
  25. Feb 20, 2016
    10
    Made an account just to rate this game, as it definitely deserves it, and I want to say my piece concerning that.
    I am veteran Pokemon Mystery Dungeon player, I've played Red Rescue Team, Explorers of Time (later got Sky) and Gates to Infinity.
    I went into this game expecting a marginally better Gates to Infinity, as I was very disappointed with that particular game, and it'd killed my
    Made an account just to rate this game, as it definitely deserves it, and I want to say my piece concerning that.
    I am veteran Pokemon Mystery Dungeon player, I've played Red Rescue Team, Explorers of Time (later got Sky) and Gates to Infinity.
    I went into this game expecting a marginally better Gates to Infinity, as I was very disappointed with that particular game, and it'd killed my expectations, I'll admit. However, I am glad to say I was very wrong. What we have here is a game on par with Explorers of Sky, if not better. (In my opinion, it is) Just imagine Infinity never existed and there was a worthy Sky successor, and you have this.

    The story of this game is rather slow at the beginning and not really very interesting or entertaining, which is my main gripe with the game. However, that certainly changes as you get out of the starting area. The story takes a very Anime-like approach at the usual "the world is in danger!" plot line of previous games, with some very cool action scenes and disaster shots, to which the capabilities of the 3DS are finally used properly in this game, to their full extent, for the first time in a Mystery Dungeon Game. The team behind the game put in a lot of creative effort, there's a whole lot of unique art and set pieces in this game.

    This isn't the best and most informative review, I know. But I'm just a regular guy (and series fan) who wanted to share his opinions on a game. And if that's the type of person you trust when deciding on whether to get a game or not, I implore you to go out and get yourselves Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon. I loved it, and I'm sure you will too.
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  26. Mar 20, 2016
    10
    This game is amazing and I don't know why you won't say the same but this is the best Pokemon game of 2015 and it is better than COD BO3 so you know what that mean 10/10
  27. Oct 2, 2016
    10
    This game is gorgeous, I actually played around 100 hours. Lots of dungeons.

    Talking about story, It's pretty funny and the ending is really sad, I cried like a baby.
  28. Jan 16, 2018
    10
    While my favorite is Explorer of Sky, Super recovered the series with good story and dungeons, bigger amount of pokemon than its predecessor Gates, and unlike Gates, it doesn't feel rushed or incomplete but a full and fun Mystery Dungeon game, which it is.
  29. Aug 8, 2018
    10
    Story is slow at the beginning, but after that the game is great. Definitely the hardest mystery dungeon game and has the best partner Pokemon in all the series. don't let some reviews prevent you from playing this game your going to either love it or hate it ( that goes for this series as well)
  30. Aug 24, 2018
    10
    This game has some really amazing music! The story can get a little dark at certain points as well!
Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 44 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 44
  2. Negative: 2 out of 44
  1. CD-Action
    Jun 29, 2016
    75
    A very decent Mystery Dungeon game and the best Pokemon Mystery Dungeon. [06/2016, p.66]
  2. Mar 21, 2016
    75
    Great in sprints, but tedium might put off players looking for deeper experiences.
  3. Mar 16, 2016
    60
    Fans of the Mystery Dungeon series will know what to expect from this latest offering: its new additions aren’t radical enough to ruin what makes it fun or, crucially, fix what makes it monotonous.